Chicago is proud to operate the second largest public transportation system in the nation. With the many bus and rail lines, traveling the CTA is convenient and easy. The full fare for all buses is $2.25, exact change is required. To ride the "L", or to get a reduced fare on any bus line, you must have a transit card. Transit cards are available for purchase online at the CTA store or at all rail stations. eb page [http://www.transitchicago.com] for information on 1, 3, 7 day visitor passes, maps, downloadable brochures and trip planner.

''From O’Hare:'' Take the CTA Blue Line. O’Hare station is centrally in the airport, between terminals 2 and 3 (under the Hilton Hotel). Follow the overhead signs (Trains to the City).

''From O’Hare:'' Take the CTA Blue Line. O’Hare station is centrally in the airport, between terminals 2 and 3 (under the Hilton Hotel). Follow the overhead signs (Trains to the City).

ALA 2009 Annual Conference (Chicago, IL)

The ALA 2009 Annual Conference [1] will be held in Chicago from July 9-15 at McCormick Place West, located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.

Welcome to the Windy City!

The ALSC 2009 Local Arrangements Committee proudly welcomes you to the Windy City for this year’s ALA Annual Conference! Besides offering friendly assistance during ALSC’s many wonderful programs and events, the Local Arrangements Committee has assembled the following array of resources to help you maximize your enjoyment of this year’s conference experience in Chicago.

Transportation from O'Hare & Midway Airports

Need help getting around town? Here's the the low-down on taxis, shuttles, and trains from Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports:

Taxis

Taxis can be located on the lower level at both O'Hare and Midway, near the baggage claim area

In Chicago, you pay the amount shown on the taximeter, plus any tolls

There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional

Average Fare from O'Hare to downtown Chicago is $35 - $40

Average fare from Midway to downtown Chicago is $26 - $30

An additional charge of $1.00 is added to the total fare on each trip for fuel surcharge

Shuttle Service

Airport Express [2] provides shared-ride shuttle service from O’Hare and Midway Airports to downtown Chicago hotels and McCormick Place for about $24. Visit their site for the most current prices and best deals on one-way and round-trip fares for single passengers, pairs, and groups of three or more.

Schedules

From O’Hare: Shuttles depart every 10-15 minutes. Ticket counters and loading zones are at Doors 1E, 2D and 3E on the lower level across from baggage claim.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

Chicago is proud to operate the second largest public transportation system in the nation. With the many bus and rail lines, traveling the CTA is convenient and easy. The full fare for all buses is $2.25, exact change is required. To ride the "L", or to get a reduced fare on any bus line, you must have a transit card. Transit cards are available for purchase online at the CTA store or at all rail stations. eb page [3] for information on 1, 3, 7 day visitor passes, maps, downloadable brochures and trip planner.

From O’Hare: Take the CTA Blue Line. O’Hare station is centrally in the airport, between terminals 2 and 3 (under the Hilton Hotel). Follow the overhead signs (Trains to the City).

From Midway: Take the CTA Orange Line. The station is connected to the airport by a walkway with escalators, elevators and a moving sidewalk. It’s about a 10-minute walk. From the airport, follow the overhead signs (CTA Trains to City).